Fetal Anemia

Fetal anemia is an inadequate number or quality of red blood cells in the fetal circulatory system. Red blood cells carry oxygen to the cells and organs within the body. Anemia can lead to many complications in the fetus. As with many fetal conditions, anemia can range from mild to severe. If the anemia is severe, the fetal heart tries to overcome the inadequate number or quality of red blood cells by pumping harder. This can result in fetal heart failure (hydrops).

What are fetal anemia causes?

The most common reason for fetal anemia occurs when the baby has a specific difference in blood antigens or proteins from the mother. This is referred to as alloimmunization. This happens when the baby inherits certain blood antigens from the father that the mother does not have. The mother's system can create antibodies that attack the fetal cells. This leads to the destruction of the fetal red blood cells and, eventually, to fetal anemia.

Another fetal amenia cause can be one of several maternal infections, such as Parvovirus, a common childhood illness. There are blood tests that can be done to confirm a recent or past infection with this virus.

Fetal anemia can also be the result of blood loss from the fetal circulation. There are other more rare conditions that can be fetal amenia causes as well. These include structural fetal abnormalities or masses such as a sacrococcygeal teratoma .

How is fetal anemia diagnosed?

Prenatal ultrasound - Ultrasound can detect signs of fetal heart failure or hydrops which can be the result of fetal anemia. Fetal hydrops results in fluid collections or swelling of the fetal tissues. Heart failure can result from the lack of red blood cells to provide oxygen to the heart causing the heart to pump or work harder. Anemia is also suspected if the blood flow in one of the fetal vessels of the brain is increased. This vessel is called the middle cerebral artery (MCA). The MCA blood flow can be measured during an ultrasound.

Maternal blood sample - A mother's blood test may indicate that she has certain antibodies present that can lead to fetal anemia.

Amniocentesis - An amniocentesis may be performed to obtain a sample of amniotic fluid to determine the bilirubin level (breakdown of red blood cells). An amniocentesis involves the insertion of a needle through the mother's abdomen and into the amniotic sac. A small sample of fluid is obtained. This type of procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis.

Fetal blood sampling - Fetal blood sampling is similar to an amniocentesis as a needle is inserted through the mother's abdomen but is then guided into the fetal umbilical vein. All of this is done using ultrasound to guide and visualize the procedure. A small sample of blood is obtained, and a fetal blood count is checked. This procedure also carries a risk of miscarriage, infection, preterm labor, or fetal distress. In rare cases it can cause fetal death. This test is usually done in a hospital setting.

What are fetal anemia treatment options?

Fetal anemia is monitored and treated prenatally by several methods. Your care plan might include frequent monitoring to measure the blood flow in the MCA. If the anemia is moderate to severe, a fetal blood sampling and transfusion may be necessary for fetal anemia treatment. Under ultrasound visualization, compatible red blood cells are transfused through the umbilical vein. This procedure is very similar to the procedure performed to obtain a sample of fetal blood. It is a longer procedure and is performed in a hospital setting. In some cases the mother may need to stay overnight. Both mother and fetus are monitored during and after the procedure until fetal and maternal well being are established. This procedure may need to be repeated every 1- 4 weeks depending on the fetal condition.

What happens after delivery?

Newborns generally do well after birth. Newborn jaundice may occur and can be severe. Jaundice occurs when the newborn's bilirubin level is too high. Bilirubin is a substance that is found in red blood cells. Jaundice is monitored by lab tests. Mild cases of jaundice may only require careful monitoring of the newborn. If the newborn's bilirubin is too high, the neonatologist or pediatrician may need to treat the baby to bring down the bilirubin level. If this situation develops, your doctors will discuss potential treatments. The baby can still be breast fed and spend time with the parents. The mother will need to be evaluated in future pregnancies for possible fetal anemia.

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Note: This information regarding your condition is meant to be a helpful, informative introduction. Because every newborn is different, this may not be applicable to all cases, especially if there are additional defects. Your team of experts at the Center will provide you with information specific to your pregnancy.

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The Fetal Center at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital

Many physicians affiliated with Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital are faculty at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth. The affiliated physicians from McGovern Medical School consults with patients at UT Physicians clinic with all advanced treatments provided at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital.